Severn Vale Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter
Please find the link below to download the September 26 Newsletter from Paula at Avon & Somerset Police
2026 Remembrance Sunday – 8th November
It is regretted that a parade will not be taking place at the memorial in Pilning this year. However a parade of uniformed organisations will take place at Frances Barr Walk recent conflicts memorial in Severn Beach.
The community can gather in reflection and gratitude, at the Recent Conflicts Memorial on Frances Barr Walk in Severn Beach.
The ceremony will begin at 10:50am as always, the traditional two-minute silence will be observed at 11:00am, followed by the laying of wreaths and tributes. Note the wreaths will be transferred to Pilning war memorial for the 11th November.
We encourage all residents to attend and honour those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. Please allow extra time for travel and parking, and please park responsibly.
If you can’t get to Severn Beach there will be a service of Morning Prayer at St Peter’s Church Pilning, starting at 10:50am, led by Rev Anjali Kanagaratnam. This service will also name those who died in the 1st and 2nd World Wars and observe the two minutes silence at 11am.
Get online week 19th to 25th October
The Parish Council are pleased to promote an initiative by South Gloucestershire Council with “Get online Week” which runs from the 19th to 25th October. South Glos are partnering with the charity Good things who are working to close the gap in the digital divide.
Pilning & Severn Beach residents helped with the research when SGC came to Open Church Café at St Peter’s Church Pilning recently. Did you know that only one in three adults are conformably on line and that 72% of adults think the government should do more.
Contact your local library for more details, Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Thornbury libraries are all running Digital Skill Support sessions. Click this link for their details
Film Screening – The People’s Emergency Briefing
Shirehampton Climate Emergency Group will host a free community screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing on Tuesday 13th October, from 6:45pm to 9:00pm, at Shirehampton Methodist Church, High Street, BS11 0DY.
This widely‑shown documentary – with more than 3,000 screenings across the UK and beyond – brings together expert voices on the Climate and Nature Emergency. The film explores the scale of the challenges we face and highlights practical ways communities can influence how government responds to this urgent situation.
Residents are warmly invited to attend, learn more, and take part in the discussion.
Further information about the briefing is available at: https://www.nebriefing.org/
M48 Severn Bridge – Works Continuing Through October 2026
National Highways has now moved into the construction phase of the Medium‑Term Solution for the M48 Severn Bridge, with on‑site activity continuing throughout September and October.
What’s Happening Now
Construction began on 2 September 2026, with works focused on the Junction 1 westbound on‑slip road and nearby mainline areas. Current activity includes:
- Installing new ducting and cabling routes from the A403 Aust roundabout to the M48 on‑slip .
- Surface preparation works on the Welsh side within the closed section .
- Building foundations for new CCTV structures on the English westbound on‑slip.
- Installation and connection of new roadside cabinets, paving and apron works.
Technology Testing
At the National Highways test facility in Moreton‑in‑Marsh, the new ANPR camera, traffic signal and Weigh‑In‑Motion system are undergoing Factory Acceptance Testing.
This testing “helps to refine the systems algorithm… prior to installation rather than being developed on site.”
Traffic & Safety
National Highways continues to monitor weight limits on the bridge and is progressing the Traffic Regulation Orders needed for future enforcement. Work is also underway with Avon & Somerset Police and Gwent Police to coordinate the enforcement approach.
Next Milestone
The bridge remains scheduled to reopen to HGVs under controlled conditions by end of January 2027.
Aust Reserve – Bird Survey & Site Visit Highlights (23 September 2026)
A busy and highly productive day at Aust Wetland Reserve saw both valuable wildlife monitoring and important engagement with national and international visitors.
🌿 Bird Survey Results
Our volunteer birding team completed a full “BirdTrack” survey between 09:35 and 11:15, recording 18 species across the reserve. Their continued efforts are hugely appreciated, providing a reliable indicator of biodiversity on site and helping to track seasonal changes.
A few lines from the uploaded survey:
“18 Species… 1 Grey Heron… 6 Swallow… 6 Robin… 6 Stonechat.” “Weather for 23/09/2026, 09:00: few clouds, 17.6°C, WSW wind.”
These regular counts form an essential reference point for ongoing habitat management and future ecological reporting.
🌍 Visit from IENE Conference Delegates
On the same day, 18 delegates from the Infrastructure & Ecology Network Europe (IENE) Conference, joined by SGC officers, visited Aust to walk through Buffalo 2, Buffalo 1 and Lapwing fields.
- the Aust Reserve project to date
- its role within the 80‑hectare mitigation area for the ASEA flood defence scheme
- current biodiversity findings (with thanks to the bird data)
- future management plans and survey programmes
Delegates expressed strong enthusiasm for the project and praised the scale and quality of survey work being undertaken. Their visit formed part of a wider walk along the Severn Estuary, finishing at Oldbury Power Station.
🙌 Thanks to All Involved
This was an epic day at Aust, combining hands‑on conservation, international engagement, and high‑quality ecological monitoring. The Parish Council extends sincere thanks to all volunteers, students, partners and visitors (including people from the Parish) who contributed.
Avonmouth Data Centre Smoke Lane – Community Information Event Announced
Following a constructive meeting with Rivington Energy, the applicant behind the proposed Avonmouth Data Centre (Bristol City Council – planning reference 26/12083/F), we are pleased to confirm that the company will be hosting a community information event in October.
📅 Community Information Event
- Date: Tuesday 6 October
- Time: 12 noon – 2pm
- Venue: Severn Beach Village Hall
Members of Rivington’s project team will be present to answer questions, discuss the proposals, and listen to community feedback.
🔍 Key Points About the Proposed Development
- The project will repurpose the former Polymers Recycling Facility at the Viridor Plant on Smoke Lane into a modern data centre. Note this is right on the boundary of Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council areas.
- Construction is expected to generate 400–600 jobs, with 10–15 long‑term operational roles thereafter.
- The data centre will have a capacity of up to 40MW (not 200MW as previously reported).
- A diverse energy strategy is proposed, combining supply from the adjacent Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), the National Grid, rooftop solar PV, and on‑site fuel cell technology.
- Cooling will be provided by a state‑of‑the‑art closed‑loop water cooling system.
- The cooling system will be filled once using approximately 2,995 cubic metres of specialist fluid (around six days’ water use at an 18‑hole golf course), delivered via around 100 tanker movements, scheduled to avoid peak traffic periods.
- The cooling system does not draw water from the Severn Estuary.
- The building will connect to the mains water supply for standard welfare and kitchen uses.
- The scheme has been designed to minimise habitat loss, retain and enhance green infrastructure, and introduce new landscaping including species‑rich grassland, mixed scrub, and 63 native trees.
- A dedicated biodiversity enhancement area will deliver an estimated 1.20 biodiversity units, equating to a 43.39% Biodiversity Net Gain, significantly above the statutory 10% requirement.
📞 Contact the Project Team
If you are unable to attend the event or wish to contact Rivington Energy directly, you can reach the project team via:
- Email: avonmouth@rivingtonenergy.co.uk
- Telephone: 020 7749 2650
Cilfynydd–Melksham Overhead Power Line Refurbishment: Preparatory Works Announced
National Grid has confirmed that preparatory activity is due to begin on the Cilfynydd to Melksham 400kV overhead power line, which has been in service for around 60 years and now requires refurbishment to ensure continued safe and reliable electricity transmission. The wider programme forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the national electricity network in generations.
📍 Route Section Relevant to South Gloucestershire
The full refurbishment route runs from the north‑east of Llanbradach, through south Newport, across the Severn Estuary and South Gloucestershire, to Melksham. This update covers the section between Llanbradach and South Gloucestershire, including the crossing of the Severn Estuary.
🛠️ Preparatory Works (October 2026 – March 2027)
National Grid will begin enabling works ahead of the main refurbishment programme, which is expected to start in summer 2027. Preparatory activity includes:
- Vegetation clearance from 6 October 2026 to March 2027, ranging from light trimming to cutting back larger trees and hedges to allow safe access to pylons and overhead lines.
- Ground investigation surveys along the route.
- Access improvements near certain pylons, including upgrading existing tracks, minor ground works, and drainage improvements.
- Temporary closures of footpaths and Public Rights of Way (PROW) where required for safety. Residents and representatives will be notified in advance of any closures.
National Grid will contact affected landowners before work begins and will secure all necessary permissions.
🔌 Electricity Supply
The company has confirmed that electricity supplies will not be affected during any stage of the works.
👥 Resident Communication
Residents and businesses close to areas of significant activity will receive advance notification and ongoing updates. Timings may change due to weather or site conditions; National Grid will provide updates if the programme is amended.
ℹ️ Further Information
A route map, project details and updates are available on National Grid’s website. For enquiries, contact the Community Relations team: Telephone: 0800 188 4478 Email: cilfynyddtomelksham@nationalgrid.com
Wessex Water Drop in session
Do you have a query about your water bill, how to save water and prevent blockages, or your water and sewerage services?
@wessexwater will be holding a drop-in session in Elm Park Leisure Centre, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS on Wednesday 14th October at 10-12 to answer all your water related questions.
To find out more, visit: https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/community-drop-ins
Your Voice – Thornbury & Severn Vale
Have your say, share your ideas and raise any concerns about your community at the next Your Voice meeting for Thornbury and Severn Vale.
Split into three sessions including a marketplace of information stands, community talks, and an open forum, they create an informal space for conversations between communities, the council and other key partners.
The meeting for Thornbury and Severn Vale will be on Tuesday 3 November, 6.30–8.30pm at Turnberries Community Centre, Thornbury.
Sign up for reminders and updates: www.southglos.gov.uk/your-voice